Language and Lit fest to hog limelight at Kolkata Book Fair

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Besides giving a peep into Latin American literature, a major attraction of the 38th International Kolkata Book Fair - set to be inaugurated Tuesday - will be the inaugural Kolkata Language and Literature Festival (KLLF) which will witness the participation of several luminaries from the world of art and culture.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee would open the popular event by striking a gong in the presence of celebrated Peruvian authors Rodolfo Hinostroza Clausen and Francesca Denegri, and that country's Culture Minister Patricia Balbuena Palacios.

With Peru as its focal theme, the fair will see the participation of 29 countries besides publishers from across India showcasing their books in 600 stalls.

The gates of the fair would be thrown open to the public from Wednesday. It concludes Feb 9.

The three-day KLFF to be inaugurated Jan 30 by union minister Shashi Tharoor will comprise 18 sessions involving speakers from multi-faceted genres including the likes of movie directors Shyam Benegal and Aparna Sen, actor Mohan Agashe, author Vikram Sampath and historian Leonard Gordon.

The fair will also have a stall dedicated to the memory of Bengali screen goddess Suchitra Sen.

"This year we have a lot of attractions for book lovers. Alongside the KLFF, will be the Authors' Corner where fans can meet their favourite authors and get their autographs. At the Suchitra Sen stall we will exhibit various books, magazines and other articles dedicated to the life and times of the legendary actress," said Tridib Chatterjee of the organisers Publishers & Booksellers Guild.

Chatterjee said the major emphasis of the current edition is on attracting the young generation.

"Besides making our official website more user friendly, we are present on various social networking sites and also developed an Android application which will provide in-depth details about the stalls," he said.

Bengali author Sirshendu Mukherjee will be presented the lifetime achievement award.

On the security front, Chatterjee said eight watch towers in and around the venue, CCTV cameras at strategic locations and adequate fire fighting arrangements will be in place.

There would be a dedicated bus service ferrying visitors to and from five different corners of the city.